Staying true to what you believe in the face of adversity is an act of courage. It’s too often that people set aside their beliefs for personal gain or to avoid being the unpopular vote. Staying true to your beliefs can not only give meaning to your own life, but can influence the conscience of others to make a more sound choice or better call in judgment. Easier said than done, right? How do you stay true to your beliefs and values when you’re faced with situations that test them?

“The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.” --Margaret Chase Smith

Many people have difficulty standing up for what they believe in because the concept of morals and values seems obscure or too personal. It is true that factors such as our environment growing up, culture, religion and more, mold and influence our value system. As we get older, our personal experiences will eventually alter or confirm that value system. So with this mind, is there any such thing as universal standards on values, or do we just give in to the mentality that everyone’s actions are justifiably based on what they believe to be right and wrong?

The short is answer is yes and no, but for the purpose of answering the question, there are basic standards that shouldn’t be violated regardless of those factors mentioned before. For example, cheating is most likely never okay, as is harming children in any way.

Standing up for your beliefs or for what is right when your ideas are unpopular can be difficult and frightening. In more serious circumstances, it can be one of the most difficult things you have to do. But just think about this: If in the past, people had not stood up for what was right and humane because it was too difficult, we might all be a lot worse off. It takes courageous people to change the world. Courage and integrity are exemplified through good actions. Here are some motivational tips on how to gather up courage and stand up for what you believe in, for what is right.

Be Consistent: Your words and actions mean nothing if they aren’t consistent. Too many times, people skew their beliefs to benefit them according to individual situations. Trying to get a point across when you change your mind all the time doesn’t give you credibility, and your words and ideas will mean very little. Make sure your belief system isn’t hypocritical.

Be Firm: You have now stood up for yourself. Keep those feet firmly planted on the ground. Leave room for discussion, and be open to what others have to say, but don’t let anyone persuade you to take a lower road just because they’re trying to justify their own immoral actions with a group following. Don’t give into poor excuses, and never give into a “follow the crowd” mentality when you know it’s not the right thing to do. The more you practice standing up for what you believe in, the more confidence you’ll build, and the easier it will become.

Don’t Preach: Nobody wants to feel like they’re being preached at or told what to do. And if you approach a situation like this, people are more likely to shut you out before even giving you a chance. Approach the situation with confidence, an open mind and a willingness to discuss. Learn to recognize when you’re stepping over the line. For example, many people choose to be a vegetarian based on health needs or beliefs about animal treatment. While they’re entitled to their lifestyle choice, it’s not a great idea for them to get too preachy and try to force their beliefs on others, and vice versa. Instead, raise awareness on the issue at hand without being too self-righteous, and you’ll be more respected and influential because of it.

State Your Reasons and the Consequences: When you stand up for your beliefs, you should be able to offer support as to why there are what they are. You shouldn’t feel like you have to prove anything, but what good are having beliefs if there’s no faith, logic, or purpose behind them? Another effective approach is to talk about the consequences. Sometimes people don’t think through the cause and effect of their actions, so bringing them up might get the wheels turning. Consequences can also instill fear, which is a good tactic when trying to bring up right from wrong.

Your belief and value system will eventually be tested in school, work or your personal life. Teenagers commonly experience the pressure to go against what they know to be right, as well as adults.

Some people face dilemmas at work that have to do with blowing off company or industry standards for profitable gain. And let’s not forget that our personal life presents an endless array of moral tests. The next time you’re faced with a situation that is questionable, remember these tips. People might appreciate what you have to say because they might feel the same way but are too scared to offer their voice. What you have to say may not be well received or even change anything, but knowing that you made an honest, conscious effort to do the right thing counts in the grand scheme of life.